Search form

Search form

The CMS has published data on the rates charged by U.S. hospitals for the 100 most common Medicare inpatient stays as part of its effort to promote pricing transparency. The agency also announced $87 million in funding to assist states in increasing price transparency and improving their programs to review hospital rates.

Related Summaries

In an attempt to better understand competitive trends in the health care industry, the Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop over two days later this month, exploring topics such as health IT advances, quality assessment, regulation and price transparency.

The government's plan to suspend appeals of decisions by Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors is both unacceptable and illegal, the American Hospital Association wrote in a letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. CMS contends the two-year suspension is necessary to clear a backlog of 357,000 cases, but the association says that excessive and inappropriate RAC denials are the chief cause, with hospitals winning appeals in more than 70% of inpatient denials. The American Coalition for Healthcare Claims Integrity argues that RACs have an accuracy rate above 95%.

Hotel industry professionals say many hotels have not been aggressive enough in raising their rates, noting a few who were locked into rate agreements during the recession. Gregory Mount, CEO of Richfield Hospitality, cited health care reform as another concern because some companies may be forced to pay fines for staff members who aren't offered insurance.

Four hospitals in Southern California will use a robotic system to give stroke patients access to neurologists at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Calif. The technology will allow specialists to communicate with patients remotely through a computer monitor, assess initial tests, diagnose and consult with local doctors to identify the best therapy option.

CMS on Monday proposed a hospital inpatient payment system that could boost Medicare reimbursements for some procedures involving certain medical devices, according to analysts. They said the proposal suggests that hospitals may not increase pressure on device prices.